Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Joel Robinson

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Ceerose Founder Edward Doueihi told Apartments.com.au the developer’s long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West had given it a strong understanding of how the area has evolved and where its future opportunities lie.

“Ceerose has had a long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West, giving us a unique understanding of the area’s evolution and future potential,” Doueihi said.

“Having delivered projects throughout the region, we have witnessed the suburb’s transformation first-hand and understand the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Doueihi said that understanding also informed the planning process, with a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report prepared before the application was lodged.

The report identified the key issues and concerns raised by neighbouring residents and other stakeholders, allowing those matters to be considered and incorporated into the design where appropriate.

He said the delivery of additional housing would also play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Norton Street and the Italian Forum.

“By increasing the local residential population, the development is expected to strengthen demand for local businesses, encourage further investment, and help restore the vibrancy that made the precinct a thriving destination in the early 2000s.”

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Doueihi founded Ceerose in 1998 and has grown the business to become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers in recent years, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

First look: Ceerose doubles down in Leichhardt with adaptive reuse of former warehouse site

Central Coast

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Hunters Hill based NRMA chief Rohan Lund and wife Teresa have spent $2.62 million on a luxury weekender overlooking Toowoon Bay beach, on the NSW Central Coast.
Perched on a privately elevated 727 sqm parcel above Kims Beachside Resort, the home has six bedrooms, two living areas, two kitchens and a resort style pool.
Michael Walker at McLachlan Partners Long Jetty sold the home after 165 days after seeking interest of $3 million.
It's the second highest price paid in the small suburb.
Lund previously held senior positions at Yahoo, Optus, Foxtel and Seven West Media before being appointed group chief executive of NRMA in 2015.
This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
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NRMA chief Rohan Lund buys Toowoon Bay weekender

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The NSW Central Coast's strongest performing locations - both now and for the past several years - has been the peninsula suburbs at the southern end of the region, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property valuation firm says that included Umina Beach, Woy Woy and Ettalong with records being set and broken in very short periods of time.
"Almost daily, we talk to people and hear the surprise at the prices being paid," HTW's latest report noted.
"These areas have been around forever.
"Originally a holiday or retirement destination, this has been evolving over the years to become popular with first home buyers or those looking at a lower cost base.
"Nowadays, these areas have become a magnet for renovators, value adders with those looking to exit the Sydney market finding these areas particularly attractive due to the comparative level of affordability," the report stated.
It’s this exodus from the Sydney market that is seen to be driving the values in these locations.
"Regularly, we are seeing prices rocketing past the $700,000 mark when the same property could have been purchased for much less just a few short years ago.
A three bedroom villa at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-villa-nsw-ettalong+beach-125076934" target="_blank">3/30 Flounder Road</a>, Ettalong Beach (above) has been listed with a price guide of between $675,000 to $725,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-woy+woy-124940918" target="_blank">35 Pratley Street</a>, Woy Woy (below) has been listed with a price guide of between $670,000 to $735,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/20/35%20Pratley%20Street.jpg" alt="">
"Knowing this, established locals are reluctant to pay the asking prices, but for every hesitant local, there is a new resident eager to step in," the report noted.
$700,000 nowadays will secure a 2-to 3-bedroom fibro dwelling close to the shops and beach or a mid 1970s style, 3-bedroom brick and tile a little further from the shops," the report advised.
Renovations are aplenty and the builders are happy.
"The peninsula has always had a love affair with backyard granny flats, mostly in the form of a converted garage and some even being council approved.
But recently, they have been popping up everywhere and granny flat builders are flat out.
These are particularly popular with investors who in many cases are effectively doubling the income received from a property.
"Whether the proliferation of granny flats is good for the area remains to be seen, but we have been saying for some time now that the increasing values have passed the point of being sustained on an ongoing basis and we still believe this to be the case," the report stated.
"The market moves on without waiting and whilst we can worry about the future of the peninsula’s values, a flow on effect is being seen in other areas further along the coastal strip and at this stage, we haven’t heard any complaints of things getting out of hand.
“In this regard, we see the older areas on the fringe of the Gosford CBD as being the big winners.
"This includes areas such as Narara, Niagara Park and Wyoming,” the report stated.
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NSW Central Coast granny flats doubling investor income: HTW

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The Central Coast region provides many choices or first home buyers, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says at the northern end of the region, first home buyers would be looking at Gwandalan for newer housing and Lake Munmorah, San Remo, Budgewoi and Gorokan for older dwellings.
New housing in the Woongarrah, Hamlyn Terrace and Wadalba areas are also available for those with a little more to spend.
“In terms of prices, this nowadays starts above $400,000 for older dwellings and upwards of $500,000 for newer housing,” HTW says.
“Depending on the location and price, many of these dwellings will be unrenovated.”
In the south of the region, first home buyers have been eyeing off suburbs such as Narara, Niagara Park and Wyoming as a starting point.
“ These are older suburbs with generally older dwellings and prices rarely seen below $500,000 with good transport links, close to schools and close to shops,” the report says.
“The main northern railway line runs through the region, but without rail corridors to the suburbs away from it, public transport is a little limited on the coast, so options for first home buyers without motor vehicles are similarly a little limited.
“However, the number of new unit complexes recently completed, currently under construction, planned and already existing in the Gosford City Centre should go some way to addressing this problem.”
“Old and new units provide an affordable option for first home buyers with the prospect of turning them into investment properties should unit living be replaced by living in a freestanding dwellings.”
HTW says that the price point for investors and owner occupiers is quite similar and many of the typical first home buyer suburbs are shared with investors.
It considers house and land packages mostly good value when the inclusions in the products are listed.
“In terms of housing, the suburbs of Woongarrah, Hamlyn Terrace and Wadalba are where the bulk of the house and land packages can be found,” it says.
“Many have four bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage, modern finishes and are ready to move into.
“Prices are in the mid to high $500,000s with more affordable options available for smaller dwellings, but with the same level of finishes and amenity.
“For those who find new housing in a developing estate not to their liking, we suggest the buy and renovate option.”
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-hamlyn+terrace-124878834" target="_blank">40 Hamlyn Road</a>, Hamlyn Terrace (above) has been listed with a price guide of between $640,000 to $680,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-woongarrah-124664622" target="_blank">2 Tooloom Close</a>, Woongarrah (below) has been listed with a price guide of $685,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/09/2%20Tooloom%20Close.jpg" alt="">
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Plenty of options for first home buyers on NSW Central Coast: HTW

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Retired Aussie fast bowler Nathan Bracken and wife Haley have sold their Central Coast home for $735,000 in just nine days.
<a href="https://www.colemanestateagents.com.au/selling/NSW/Central-Coast-and-Region/Hamlyn-Terrace/House/1P2214">The former Clarendon display home </a>in Hamlyn Terrace was bought by a Melbourne couple. The Brackens had paid $499,000 in 2005.
Architecturally designed, the four bedroom home with separate study has private landscaped gardens on its 600 sqm parcel.
Coleman Estate Agents Ron Coleman sold the home which achieved a near record price for the former Australian cricketer and his wife, a former Dancing with the Stars contestant.
The record sits at $742,500. 
The couple have spent $975,000 on a luxury acreage in Jilliby.
Bracken, a left arm fast bowler, retired from cricket in 2011 due to a chronic knee injury.  Bracken was capable of swinging the ball both ways.
He represented New South Wales and Australia in Test and ODI matches.
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Retired Aussie fast bowler Nathan Bracken sells

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The Central Coast property market heated up during 2016, but opinions differ on what lies ahead for the region, according to HTW's February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says it thought the Christmas break might provide the time to take a breath and regroup, but not so.
Instead, the market just took up where it left off and it’s just as busy.
“For a while now, we have been talking of the end of another cycle in property when we can again see the market slow, prices come back a little before stabilising and picking up again,” the report says.
“That’s how it has always been, but not so or not yet anyway.
“Local real estate agents are divided on where we are heading with some seeing a continuation of the hot market, others cannot see it lasting much longer and a few (a lot actually) are saying that the only thing they are certain about is that they don’t know!
“For our part, the market just seems to keep rolling with each new reporting period throwing us a few surprises as to what’s moving and by how much.”
HTW says the signs are that the market will continue to grow while buyers looking to expand their portfolios are being squeezed out of the Sydney market and are finding that property prices on the Central Coast remain reasonable.
Older houses under the stewardship of new owners are being renovated, modified and extended.
These areas include the peninsula suburbs of Narara, Niagara Park and Wyoming.
In previous years Umina Beach, Woy Woy and Ettalong Beach have been the focus of attention and continue to be so, but a little less overall such is the pricing now within these suburbs.
“We think of popularity and activity radiating out from a central point and this could well be the year for areas at the northern end of the region,” HTW says.
“As suburbs go through their cycles and buyers look to get in early on the next big thing, we are thinking (once again) that Budgewoi, Buff Point, Lake Munmorah, Gwandalan and Summerland Point may become popular. 
“Always sure to draw an opinion is the Gosford City Centre.
“The developers are back in town with numerous projects completed during 2016 and more under construction."
For $445,000 a house such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-budgewoi-124500926" target="_blank">206 Scenic Drive</a>, Budgewoi (above) is available for $429,000.
Sales rates are proving the unit market is popular once again.
“Commencements seem to be well managed meaning that the potential for a glut of units on the market simultaneously should be avoided.
“Even more encouraging is the quality of the new projects under way with higher standards the norm.”
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Will the good times last for the Central Coast?

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The 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley has sold his little-used Toowoon Bay weekender on the Central Coast.
An offer came out of the blue for the beachfront property through McLachlan Partners agent Bruce McLachlan.
The home had four bedrooms, four bathrooms and also a gas heated plunge pool with cabana.
Its expansive ship-like terraces overlook what's been regularly voted NSW's cleanest patrolled beach.
It was bought for $3.5 million five years ago after its design by locals, EDH Architects.
McLachlan had it listed previously with a $3.5 million plus asking price when Hadley and his former wife, Suzanne were in the throws of separating.
Hadley has told mates he intends to keep his Hills district acreage.
Having won 99 consecutive ratings, he doesn't intend slowing down, but will be spending a bit more time on the Gold Coast.
He's bought back in with a highrise two bedder apartment purchase at Main Beach.
Between his Rugby League commentary on Channel 9 and also broadcasting periodically from Brisbane on 4BC, he's set to enjoy some downtime at the increasingly popular Tedder Avenue strip.
He'll no doubt be bumping into fellow Sydneysiders who've increasingly fancied Main Beach for their property forays in South East Queensland.
Business executive Katie Page is nearing completion of her development of the eight storey beachfront tower called M3565.
Mr Apartments himself, Harry Triguboff has owned at Main Beach since 1990.
One of the most recent entrants is Seven Boss Ryan Stokes, who paid $1.2 million in the prized Silverpoint building.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Little-used Toowoon Bay weekender sold by Ray Hadley

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The Blackmore's chief executive Christine Holgate has finally sold her redundant Central Coast weekender.
A price reduction six months ago to $2.2 million has prompted the Pearl Beach sale that was initially listed with $2.6 million hopes with PRD Ettalong Beach agent Stuart Gan over a year ago.
She paid $2.3 million for the bushland retreat in 2008.
The four bedroom home had been deemed surplus to requirements to the head of the vitamin tablet company, who upgraded weekenders last October when she spent $5.2 million on a Walter Barda-designed beachfront.
It too traded at a loss since $5.8 million was paid in 2009 when billionaire retail king Brett Blundy bought from the former Photon Group executive chairman Tim Hughes and his wife, Jackie.
Holgate's Blackmore shares saw trading at $220 record highs earlier this year as they have tapped into the Chinese market for vitamin E, selling some 500,000 tubs a month. They are now trading at $112 on the ASX.
Last December she offloaded $4 million in Blackmores shares at around $171 a share, disclosuring to the ASX that she was "soon to be married" and had sold the shares to help fund the new home.
The UK born Holgate married her partner Michael Harding at a ceremony in the English coastal town of Aldeburgh earlier this year.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Blackmore's chief finally sells Central Coast weekender

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The Central Coast holiday home of convicted former NSW detective Roger Rogerson has been sold to pay his lawyers' fees for his recent murder trial.
Last month's $555,000 sale of the basic single level 1950s cottage was at Long Jetty.
Located 100 km north of Sydney, it was sold to a self managed superannuation fund investor who <a href="https://bateaubay.ljhooker.com.au/597H3X/8-thelma-street-long-jetty" target="_blank">now seeks $420 a week rental</a>.
It was just the one bedroom cottage with combustion fireplace and sunroom, located a few hundred metres to Toowoon Bay.
It was sold pre-auction through LJ Hooker agent Mitch Clifton who marketed it as a cute 1950's single level beach cottage situated on large lot, "perfect to renovate, invest, or make way to build a dream home, duplex or townhouses."
Set behind a picket fence, the house last traded at $51,000 in 1984.
The 660 sq m Thelma Street holding was retained by Roger following his 1992 divorce from his first wife, Joy.
Rogerson still co-owns the Padstow home he bought with his second wife, Anne in 1998 for $346,500.
Duncan McNabb's 2006 book, The Dodger: inside the world of Roger Rogerson noted both his homes were wired by listening devices by the authorities, ICAC and the Police Integrity Commission in their pursuit of Rogerson's earlier misdemeanours.
One of McNabb's chapters was prophetically titled: He's a great detective, but a lousy criminal.
The Telegraph crime report Mark Morri wrote that Rogerson spent nearly $1 million on his murder trial defence forcing him to sell his "beloved holiday house" at Long Jetty.
It was suggested Rogerson executed drug trafficing student Jamie Gao for a Triad crime syndicate because they believed the 20-year-old was an informant, with Rogerson and his co-accused Glenn McNamara allegedly allowed to keep the drugs.
Rogerson is awaiting sentence and McNamara has indicated he will lodge an appeal.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
 
 
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Convicted former NSW detective Roger Rogerson sells Long Jetty holiday home

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A waterfront two bedroom home on the Central Coast of New South Wales has had its asking price dropped by $100,000 since listing.
The property, 301 Patong Creek Patonga, had its listing price dropped from $799,000 to $699,000 last week, according to SQM Research.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said the property has a lot to offer, although can only be accessed by boat from Merooa Avenue Beach.
"The property appears to be in a good condition, with the vendor recently updating the property's water tanks, pumps and septic tank," he said.
"The listing also states that the private pontoon has been recently extended to take boats big and small.   
"The vendors has kindly included in this price a catamaran, a 'couple of dinghies' and most of the furniture. This is a great for buyers looking to get out of the city, frolicking in the river, and sailing down the Hawkesbury."
 
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Waterfront NSW home reduced by $100k: SQM Research

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The suburb of Berkeley Vale in NSW's Central Coast region - postcode 2261 - generated a median gross yield of 8 percent on units over the last 12 months, and is in the top 10 on CoreLogic RP Data's latest list of suburbs with the highest median gross yield, according to property value.
Berkeley Vale's yield was well above the national average of 4.63 percent, the data showed.
The median unit sale price in the suburb was $222,000, a little more than half the national average of $438,000.
Berkeley Vale showed impressive growth in median prices over a 12-month period at 5.71 percent, well above the 2.1 percent growth nationally.
<a href="/images/2016/05/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-17%20at%2012.07.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/05/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-17%20at%2012.07.42%20PM.png" alt="" width="408" height="359">
From a rental perspective, the median rent was $340 per week and Berkeley Vale was at seventh place in NSW on yields with a gross yield of 8 percent. 
The suburb had a population of around 46,000 people, according to the last ABS census data.
Property Observer looked up a few units in Berkeley Vale around the median range for renting on www.realestate.com.au.
<img src="/images/2016/05/20/image9.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="486" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
1. A two-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-berkeley+vale-418385170" target="_blank">115/15 Lorraine Ave Berkeley Vale</a> is up for rent for $310 per week. This property last traded for $170,000 in 2003 and was listed in early 2015 with price expectations of more than $199,000, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
 
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